To close, Iain Sandford highlighted several points relevant to the manner
in which state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have become an increasingly
prominent feature in dispute settlement in the last 20 years. He argued that,
in recent years, Members have increasingly used trade remedy measures
to address alleged distortions caused by SOEs, for instance, through use
of normal value cost adjustments in dumping cases or when identifying
subsidies. Discussion among the panelists highlighted that new trade
agreements, notably the TPP adopted specific, WTO-plus rules for SOEs.
There was some debate about whether specific rules for SOEs were necessary
or appropriate. It was notable, nevertheless, that disputes arising from
WTO-plus SOE rules in TPP would inevitably be litigated under the TPP
dispute settlement framework.
The panel highlighted that issues pertaining
to SOEs are not limited to emerging economies, but also impact “older”
WTO Members, which is especially important to consider in the regulation
of energy markets.
Jan Yves Remy wrapped up the discussion by returning to the theme of the
session: blue skies or storm clouds ahead? The discussion showed that both
sunscreen and umbrellas are required as Members continue to deal with
new challenges from both outside and within the existing WTO dispute
settlement system.
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Contacts
CHRISTIAN A. LAU
JAN YVES N.
REMY
IAIN SANDFORD
Associate
Geneva
+41 22 308 0033
clau@sidley.com
Associate
Geneva
+41 22 308 0046
jremy@sidley.com
Partner
Geneva
+41 22 308 0042
isandford@sidley.com
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